Tree Free: 1968 Shelby Cobra GT350

While this 1968 Shelby Cobra GT350 might not be as dramatic or desirable as the GT500 we featured a few days back, at least it doesn’t have a tree growing out of it. After being exhumed from a barn where it has been resting for the past 30 years, this car can now be found here on Craigslist in Manhattan.

From 1968 and on, the Shelby GTs were no longer built by Shelby American, but by Ford controlled A.O. Smith Company. Ford also took over all development and marketing of the car. Ford aslo went about making changes to the car to make it more comfortable and main stream, yet they managed to keep some of their venom.

The most drastic change Ford made to the GT 350 was under the hood. The earlier GT 350s were powered by a tuned K-code 289 V8, but Ford opted to install the 302 V8. This swap saved Ford money, but it meant the car lost some of its bite. The 302 was rated at 250 hp, compared to the 306 hp of the 289. This car has its original 302 and the seller has a Marti report to prove it.

As Ford became more involved in the Shelby conversion process, more standard features made their way onto Carroll’s street legal race car. The interiors became more luxurious, the styling more dramatic, and the cars became easier to drive. As you can see this car’s interior looks comfortable, yet retains some of its former sportiness.

Personally, we like the looks of the ’67 Shelby GT350 better than the ’68, but they are still great looking cars. The seller claims this car is still very original and that the engine is running nicely. They don’t state how much they are asking for it, but their statement about it not being a cheap car makes us assume they want too much for it. You never know though, so if your in the market for a Shelby this could be a great place to start.